The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.” On that day in 1918 the immense and horrible violence of the First World War ended, although officially the war did not end until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles 7 months later. Every November 11th the people of both Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth nations remember those who have died in the line of duty whilst serving in the armed forces. Growing up in Nigeria, which is very much a Commonwealth country, and going to British schools, I to took part in what we called “Poppy Day”. At first I wasn’t quite sure what people were referring to when I heard them say “Remembrance Day”, I know I’d heard it be called that before but I was so used to calling it Poppy Day that I found myself rather confused. A cursory Google search quickly assuaged that confusion however.
Ultimately Remembrance Day is about remembering all the brave people who’ve sacrificed their lives so that we could live free and happy. I for one think that’s really quite important, for me the ability free of oppression is just as important as food or water and I do my best to donate and raise awareness to help the families who have to deal with the loss of their loved ones in the line of duty.
It’s extremely easy for you to do your part to support this extremely worthwhile cause; all you need to do is buy a poppy and wear it proudly over your heart.
Dami (Year 12)
